Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Adrian Clayborn Ready To Return?

By John Beauchamp

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneersdefensive end Adrian Clayborn suffered from a torn ACL during week three against the Dallas Cowboys which would keep him out the entire season. Clayborn underwent knee surgery during early October, ever since his surgery he has been working to rehabilitate it and strengthen it.

The season before Clayborn’s surgery, his rookie season, he combined for 42 tackles and 7.5 sacks being a very effective weapon on the defensive line. Much was expected from Clayborn last season but with his injury, those expectations obviously failed.

Clayborn’s return to the game field should occur either week two or three of the preseason. Like many other players with injuries, Clayborn didn’t play in week one of the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens. I’m sure the coaching staff is just handling these injuries slowly and steadily to avoid any other problems.

I feel that Clayborn is ready to step on the field once again but it is right for him to sit out the first couple of preseason games just to catch up with everyone else.

This season, much is expect for this defensive line as Gerald McCoy is coming off of a Pro Bowl year and Da’Quan Bowers is now the full-time starter with the departure of Micheal Bennett. The Buccaneers rush defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL with the defensive line being the biggest part about that. With the return of Clayborn, the Buccaneers defensive line should be once again one of the best in the NFL. If Clayborn stays healthy, you may see him joining McCoy as a Pro Bowler.

John Beauchamp is a Tampa Bay Buccaneers writer for RantSports.com Follow him on Twitter @John_Beauchamp or add him to your network on Google